There’s lots to look forward to in Bath this coming year, including the marvellous Bath Festival 2020 – which returns in May with live music, comedy, books and much more. A key part of this annual cultural celebration is Party in the City, where venues across Bath keep their doors open late for very special events. 

If you’ve ever fancied taking a peep at what happens inside a museum at night, this is your chance. A number of Bath’s iconic museums and galleries will be taking part in Party in the City. Here’s our rundown of what’s on where, and how you can get involved. 

Party in the City 2020 – what is it and which museums are taking part? 

This city-wide extravaganza brings Bath alive with free entertainment, culture and music for one night only. This year, Party in the City takes place on Friday 15th May. Held on the opening night of the Bath Festival, it’s the perfect way to launch the ten-day festival with a bang. 

Many of Bath’s most famous institutions and tourist attractions took part in Party in the City 2019 for the Bath Festival, including the Museum of Bath Architecture and No.1 Royal Crescent. Confirmed so far for this year’s event are the following, but keep an eye out for further updates as more venues are still to be announced.

• The Roman Baths – expect an evening of live music, drinks and candlelit fun at the atmospheric Roman Baths, which will be throwing a special party complete with pop-up bar around the Great Bath. Normal ticket prices may apply, but Discovery Card holders are guaranteed to get in free. 

• Victoria Art Gallery – the Gallery is open late for a special evening of live music from the James Lambeth Swing Band. Head over from 6-8pm for completely free entry as part of the city-wide festival celebrations.

All about the Bath Festival 2020

An annual event bringing together a fabulous line-up of music, comedy, literature and the arts, the Bath Festival is one of the biggest events on the city’s calendars. It takes place at dozens of wonderful venues across the city from 15th-24th May, promising over 120 events. Headline acts already confirmed include John Grant and Teddy Thomson, Patti Smith and Band and comedian Rachel Parris. 

How to get involved 

Many events during the Bath Festival are ticketed, with some on sale now – head to the festival’s website to snap up your tickets. But Party in the City is designed to be largely free to attend, so all you need to do is round up some friends and get ready for a brilliant evening. 

What you will need to do is book your accommodation, and do it early as Bath unsurprisingly gets very busy during the annual Bath Festival week. 

Stay at our Hot Bath apartment for easy access to the Roman Baths (and the sumptuous Thermae Bath spa), or just across the world-famous Pulteney Bridge at Argyle Retreat or Pulteney Bridge View – both a short stroll from the Victoria Art Gallery and the rest of the city centre.